Tile removal process

ABSTRACT

Floor tile having objectionable particulate matter therein, is removed from a permanent substrate to which it is adhered by placing thereon a soy-based solvent and retaining the solvent in place for at least 36 hours. After this time period, all adhesion is released and the floor tile physically removed without residual adhesion or breakage thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the art of environmental remediation and more particularly to a process for removal of floor tiles which have environmentally objectionable contents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, in the remediation of structures having floor tiles adhered to a more permanent base such as concrete, rigorous physical effort has been required for removal and disposal. Generally, such tiles are removed by manual chiseling or by chiseling associated with pneumatically-assisted devices such as jackhammers. Substantial labor goes into the removal of these tiles and in the process, such tiles can be fractured: thus, permitting the release of particulate matter which is generally objectionable for many reasons. The primary particulate material which is ultimately released and is of the utmost concern is asbestos.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, it has been found that floor tile which as been adhered to a permanent substrate with an adhesive or mastic can be removed in tact by coating the tile material with a soy-based solvent wherein the solvent is retained in place for approximately four to five days at which time the tile can be manually lifted with no remaining adhesive effects and without the environmentally objectionable fracture and release of particulate matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with this invention, it has been found that floor tile which as been adhered to a permanent substrate with an adhesive or mastic can be removed in tact by coating the tile material with a soy-based solvent wherein the solvent is retained in place for approximately four to five days at which time the tile can be manually lifted with no remaining adhesive effects and without the environmentally objectionable fracture and release of particulate matter.

In accordance with this invention, a soy-based solvent which is normally used for mastic removal. Such a soy product is sold under the Mark MA-99 SOY S-Pro, the Mastic Remover. Such product has almost no odor and has a flash point of over 400 degrees. Such product can be used on vinyl asbestos tile and vinyl composite tile. Such mastic removers are normally only used after the tile has been physically removed as described above. However, in accordance with this invention, the long, soak period of at least 36 hours permits complete permeation of the tile and release of the mastic there below to permit complete removal.

Having generally described the invention set forth above, many variations will become apparent to both of the skill in the art from a reading thereof. However, such variations are included within the spirit of the scope of this invention as defined by the following appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A process for removal of floor tile having embedded therein harmful particulate matter, comprising the steps of: Applying to said floor tile, a soy-based solvent so as to substantially and completely coat said floor tile with said solvent; Permitting said solvent to be retained in place for at least 36 hours; and Physically removing said floor tile without any residual adhesion to its substrate. 